Politics · 7 February 2026

Minister Simons hired PR firm to probe journalists over £700,000 donations

Cabinet Office Minister Josh Simons commissioned lobbying firm APCO Worldwide in 2023 to investigate how reporters uncovered Labour Together's funding. The group failed to declare over £700,000 in donations, resulting in a £14,250 fine in September 2021. While leaked contracts show the firm aimed to identify journalists' sources for a Sunday Times article, Simons claims he only probed a "suspected illegal hack." The inquiry allegedly utilized journalist-turned-lobbyist Tom Harper.

By BriefTea Editorial · 7 February 2026 at 12:14

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